By Sabastine Anyia, Esq
Once upon a time, a state, the nation’s paradise found it’s way down the drain. The much coveted tourism centres (which were by the way holding the state’s economy), clean nature, booming economy and Christmas carnival have become things of the past with only the calabar carnival still standing, that too with under average performances.
The nation’s paradise, one of the wealthiest regions in Nigeria has over the years become one of the poorest. And I dare to ask, could it be mismanagement by our leaders?
That’ll probably fit in a story for another day.
Today, Calas Vegas is making the headlines. The nation’s paradise is dropping at a new bus stop for tourism. Just like America’s Las Vegas, UAE’s Dubai, Indonesia and the Seychelles, Nigeria’s Cross River has found a virgin land on which to create magic. This resort city is located on a train island off the parrot island on the Atlantic coast also seated on the safest waterways in the country.
The Calas Vegas seems promising as a tourist/vacation centre if built to standard. Who doesn’t love a serene environment for a getaway? Prayers are that history should not repeat itself. Unlike Donald Duke’s Tinapa resort which has almost lost it’s value, Calas Vegas should stand tall and recruit wealth to the state.
It should bring our slogan “the nation’s paradise” back to life, it should add value to Cross River State, it should stand the test of time regardless of who’s in power, it should attract people from all walks of life and nations to Cross River State and add spice to the economy.
Congratulations Dr. Ben Ayade on the birth of this majestic idea. We can’t wait to see this dream come true. From the spaghetti flyover to the mega highway you’ve done Cross River proud. Some of the qualities of a good leader is to dream good dreams for his people and this you have demonstrated for us all to see. I salute your ingenuity and we yearn for more.
Long live Cross River State!
Sabastine Anyia Esq.
